Nintendo Fixes Boot Up Bug After Switch Firmware Update, Limits Game Sharing
Nintendo has been busy this week, releasing the V20.0.0 firmware for the Switch, which introduced features like Virtual Game Cards. However, the update caused an unexpected issue: some users found their consoles unable to boot, displaying an error code. Nintendo quickly addressed this problem by releasing a new update, V20.0.1, this morning.
The initial update caused Error Code: 2206-1015 for some users, preventing their Switches from booting correctly. According to Nintendo's release notes, the V20.0.1 update specifically fixes this boot-up bug. Importantly, this update is only essential for those who experienced issues after installing V20.0.0. The release notes state: “Fixed an issue where Error Code: 2206-1015 sometimes occurred when restarting the system after updating to system version 20.0.0.”
To apply the update, users experiencing the error need to put their Switch into Maintenance Mode. Here’s how:
- Ensure the console is powered off. If it doesn't respond, hold down the POWER Button for twelve seconds to force it to shut down.
- With the console powered off, hold down the volume up (+) and volume down (-) buttons, then press the POWER Button to turn the system on.
- Keep the volume buttons pressed down until the Maintenance Mode menu is displayed.
- Once in Maintenance Mode, select Update System and follow the prompts.
Nintendo advises contacting their official support channels if the issue persists after applying the update or if a different error code appears. This quick response from Nintendo demonstrates their commitment to resolving issues promptly.
However, it's not all smooth sailing for Switch users. Alongside the firmware updates, Nintendo has also imposed new limits on sharing digital games. The old system allowed two users to play a single digital game purchase simultaneously, provided the Nintendo Account that purchased the game was playing on the secondary console with an active Internet connection.
This FAQ explanation has now been removed from Nintendo's Switch digital game sharing FAQ. Trying to load a digital game while another Switch is actively playing the same game results in a “play is being suspended” error on one console, even with Virtual Game Cards or different Nintendo Accounts within the same family group.
Players can still play different games from the same digital library simultaneously on two different Switch systems, but only if at least one of those games is on a loaded Virtual Game Card.
A partial workaround involves setting a Switch console with a Virtual Game Card currently loaded to Airplane mode (or disabling Wi-Fi) and enabling the user's Online License feature for the game's original purchaser. This allows the same game to be played simultaneously on a second system.
In summary, while Nintendo addressed a critical bug with its latest firmware update, it also quietly changed the rules regarding digital game sharing, potentially impacting how families and friends share their games on the Nintendo Switch. What do you think about these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Related issues news
What are virtual game cards on Nintendo?
One that you can start using right now is the Virtual Game Cards function . This lets you lend digital games to friends and family members who are on the same Nintendo Family Account.
How to share virtual game cards on Switch?
Just connect to your family group member's system via local wireless when you want to lend a game. Both systems must also be connected to the internet. You can lend one game per account for 14 days (unless the borrower returns it earlier).
What is Gameshare Switch?
GameShare was revealed during the Switch 2 Direct earlier this month and allows certain games to be played simultaneously with other nearby users on separate consoles, including older Switch models, though it has to be initiated by someone with a Switch 2.
